This place has a great beer selection and affordable if you ask me. There are two blind pig in Downtown Champaign, very close to each other. One of them have a outdoor space that is really good during Summer. The bartenders are nice and very friendly. The only downside is that they do not have food, but on the plus they allow you to bring food from other places. read more

Evidently there are two bars called The Blind Pig now. The largest one of them is referred to as the Piglet. They brew their own Beer. And it actually is being brewed in that bar. It's a very beautiful bar. It features a lovely beer garden. They serve a variety of micro-brews, imports, and mixed drinks. The other blind pig is a street over from The Piglet. It is smaller. It contains many fixtures that have been reclaimed to create a very creative and old feel. It's a very lovely look. read more

I really like this place. The bartender was really friendly and since it wasn't too busy when i was in took the time to talk to me about different stuff to do in Champaign since i had just moved here. I really appreciated that! When I went in there was only one microbrew left of the four (I think there are four) but it was actually really good. I was disappointed that I couldn't try any of the others, though. It seems like they need to readjust their brewing schedule/amount or something because it seems like they're running out of their brews really fast! Next time I go I'm going to check out the outdoor patio area because it looks so lovely and perfect for a nice summer's evening. read more

I'm giving this place 5 stars because I practically lived there for a stretch of time. It gets super-crowded on Fridays and Saturdays after 10PM or so, especially when school is in session. But they have good beer that's rotated regularly (every week or so?), I like the ambiance (except the bathrooms can get a bit gross)- the dark wood, the cave-like booths, the Godfather-like booth, the christmas lights with some of the bulbs burnt out, the charming old-school light fixtures, etc; i liked some of the bartenders; but mostly i liked hanging out there with my friends for hours on end. Not sure if they still do this special, but you'd mostly see us there Sunday and Monday nights for $1 PBR/$2 Jameson specials (which we'd call the Happy Meal), playing STEEL-TIPPED DARTS (they have 3 boards). Okay, who am I kidding? We were there almost every night for a good year or so. Oh, also, you can bring food from other establishments (Esquire has free peanuts! Or if you feel like paying, they have decent food- although clean up after yourself cauz not cleaning up is obnoxious), play board games, do your homework, knit, or other wild and crazy antics and it's all good. read more

I don't usually review bars at all because I feel like the products (booze) they sell are the same, But here I am on yelp because I really liked this place. The ambient was very cozy. They had a big selection of beers on tap, and they really aren't overpriced or anything. $1.75 PBR to satisfy poor college students and lots of decently priced premium beers.The crowd is more mature (compared to campus town) but not boring. Overall, it's a really laid back place to hang out and try new beers and catch up with friends. It was a great escape from college bars. read more

I love this place! They always have freshly brewed beer on tap, and if you are in the mood for something else, just get a bottle of something, there is a huge list of bottled beer. I have never had any problems with the bartenders, they are always quick and courteous. The only problem you might ever have here is finding a seat. It is so popular that they sometimes fill up all of the inside and outside (even when it is freezing outside). read more

Great place, awesome selection, cool bartenders...what else could you ask for? Outdoor seating? YES! I cannot wait to go back to this place. Love the atmosphere as well. * Plus: bartenders were so nice that whenever I had questions about a certain beer they just gave me a little sample so I could decide myself if I liked it or not! read more

When I came here, I knew it would be hard to go to any other bar on campus again. Their beer selection is impressive to say the least. The range and caliber of the drink selection is great. I came here on a number of happy hours to meet with colleagues and friends and it has always been a pleasant experience. One criticism (for myself or the owners) is that it is sometimes annoying that there are two Blind Pigs (the original and the brewery; one on walnut and the other on Neil) because oftentimes we get confused which one we are going to. If you are looking to get some food, I am afraid you are out of luck because they only have drinks. On many occasions I went to the sandwich/bread shop to get appetizers and/or a meal and there were no objections. I call it: BYOF. Definitely the best place to go for a drink for those who love and appreciate good brews. read more

This is to be one of my favorite taverns I've ever been to. Im currently living in San Diego but I really love the dim lighting, the mature vibe and the great beer selections. I've been going to this bar for a long time and I've come to miss this place. Jason is one of the best bartenders and people around. As well as the owner. I cant wait to come visit again and enjoy a refreshing glass of 1 dollar PBR's on monday. read more

Too bad I'm not a huge fan of beers but when I step my foot into this place, I know it's on. My friend recommended this place and I was bored on that day so to the hell with it I'll just drive here and enjoy the night. Got the eight beers (of course I'm not alone) taste all kinds of ale and boy this place made my smile goes wider. If I have any chance to go to Champaign, I will visit this place again no matter how long I'll have to drive! read more

The Piglet is a nice little bar in downtown Champaign. While the indoor part of the bar is very crowded (and there are places that are just as dark as it's big brother on Walnut), the outdoor garden is quite fantastic. Plus, I'm a big fan of all the brewing equipment in the windows. Otherwise, there's not much to set the Piglet apart from the main brewery. The beer list is okay, but not otherworldly, and the spirits are also pretty limited. A good place if you're into beer, and if it's summertime. read more

My favorite of the bars in downtown Champaign. I love coming here and trying one of the specialty beers that they have on tap (different all the time). Sitting outside when the weather's nice will be one of my favorite memories of my college years. read more

The Blind Pig - beer samplers. - Pubs Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

I'm going to keep this simple because blind pig is an epic pub...If you like craft beers, this is the place to be. $5~ a beer + dart board. read more

Good beer, no food to order. Questionable atmosphere. Not sure what else to say. It's a place you can stop by with a friend and talk but no other entertainment read more

The Blind Pig - Pubs Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

Delirium Tremens (Belgian beer with a hint of nectarines) on draft. Possibly the only place in town that has that on draft. It's an amazing beer and around 7%, so be ready. I have always loved the feel of BP1 and have always received quality service there. The sidewalk seating isn't much and often times gets in my way from entering/exiting, depending on who is using the space, but once your inside... it has a very traditional pub feel. Find a booth in back or a hightop after your beer, and your golden. Sometimes you can catch comedy standup which is refreshing. read more

Had I written this review when I was living in Champaign, it would've been a five-star review. I returned to CU for a visit in February, and things have changed a bit. There are still many great beer choices available. I had a few pints of both their U of IPA and Blue Pils and recommend them both. Their brewery game is fierce these days. It still looks exactly as it did when I first walked in eleven years ago, which for me, is a positive. The booths are must-experience. Dim and intimate, it can be a nice place for a relaxed chat with friends. For the five years I lived in Champaign, that's exactly what it was. It felt like a pub should in terms of noise levels. Occasionally then, there was music, and I especially enjoyed the random salsa piano. When I visited, I was there each night between Sunday and Tuesday- in other words, off-nights- and they had standard rock music near-blasting. Not a fan of it there as it ruins the atmosphere. Also, that Monday night apparently was stand-up comedy night, and boy, do they not appreciate it when someone is talking in the same room. The bartender was a little obnoxious about it to a table of three who were merely talking to be heard and not yelling. Even I felt that the mood was a bit ruined by that. I get it. Times change. There are plenty of places to go to listen to rock radio 101 stuff, though. The Pig used to be different in that respect. Still, I recommend going for the BP brews and the rest on tap. As far as mixed drinks go, I used to have decent whiskey and ginger ale there, but beer is king of course. The outdoor seating on Walnut is still the best seating area of the place. read more

The first and foremost thing I expect from a place that calls itself a brewery is a broad selection of beer brewed on premises. Sadly, not only is the selection small-- at most four choices, more often only 2 or 3-- but the quality rarely gets above mediocre. More often than not there's at least one beer or cider at any time that is objectively flawed-- murky, smelly, unintentionally sour. The atmosphere is rather dark, dingy, and claustrophobic, consisting of basically one narrow shot through the building. When the place fills up-- and it doesn't take much-- it can be difficult to shoulder past the people standing at the bar. Saving graces are a modest and decent bottle selection as well as several guest taps, and the presence of a nice-sized outdoor seating section that's good for the 7 or 8 months a year it's not too cold, snowy, or rainy outside. Bottom line is that I've been giving this place a chance since shortly after it opened, but sadly it hasn't seemed to come around to be the kind of place that's inviting enough for me to frequent. (From reading other reviews I should also point out that more than a few people are getting the Blind Pig Brewery confused with The Blind Pig Pub. Though owned by the same people they're different places.) read more

Stopped in while in area, tried the local IPA....just average finish.... but cool building

Everybody loves the pig...except me. I know they have a grrrrreat beer selection, but that doesn't mean that I want to drink said delicious beer in some dark, dank hole. (not your charming hole in the wall hole...more like a dungeon. And though apparently they don't have live music regularly, two of the three times I've been in, there has been this creepy two-man band that the singer is awful and looks like hairy, caveman Jesus and they came around to our table creepily insisting on us giving "donations" even though we just got there and seriously wouldn't go away. Super loud too, unless you're in one of the cavelike booths. read more

This is probably my favorite downtown bar--a beautiful place with a beer selection that is unmatched. They recently added a grand piano with a regular pianist (he tours with Leon Redbone); in my book that only adds to the already great atmosphere. Try a Delirium Tremens if you haven't had one before. Sit in the circle booth with a group or in one of the "caves" (as I call them) for extra privacy. read more

One of the best bars in the Land of Lincoln. Very cozy and whatnot, lots of greet beers and knowledgeable bartenders.

Ugh. Good luck getting served in less than 20 minutes. Just...ugh. However, it is a very cool layout. Maybe they should have more than two bartenders on a warm Friday evening -- or at least have bartenders that make eye contact with thirsty patrons that are waiting. read more

I don't know if it's fair for me to say that I enjoy The Blind Pig since I rarely drink. I do, however, enjoy The Blind Pig's ambiance that reminds me of an old English pub. I also enjoy its predominantly graduate student clientele, so the atmosphere is more mellow. Cheers! read more

A perfect pub atmosphere with the oak crossbeams and two-page beer list. Having the space divided up by a couple of walls and booths keep the sound level down enough that conversation is actually possible. My only problem was that it was too packed to get seating right away, but that's the sign you've found a quality bar. read more

The bartender was unfriendly and the beer selection wasn't as amazing as I'd expected from one of the top 50 places to have beer in the U.S. They may have the largest selection of beers in Champaign, but that isn't saying much. It was really dark inside, but they had really cute, intimate seating. Beer prices were excellent, but I'm used to Chicago pricing. Bottom line: Skip this and head to Tribe's Ale House WAY north in Mokena, IL. read more

Huge beer selection. I stopped by at about 4pm on a Friday, and it already had a crowd. Outdoor seating, and lots of seats inside. I could see if it was crowded, it would be hard to get to the bar. But maybe they have table service later in the night. The prices were average. read more

Great atmosphere, with outdoor seating. They have a great selection of drinks especially beers. I was told this is one of the best places to come to in America for a selection of beers. read more

i went to this bar with another 5 friends on Tuesday night. There are not that many people. No loud noise, which is good for us. They really have a variety of beers. Too many to remember. The good thing is that you can order the sample ones to taste as many as possible. The price is good too, 3$ for sample. We definitely like it. Nice place to hang out with friends. read more

Ah yes, one of my favorite haunts. Great little place, great beer, no frills. One thing that annoys me doesn't have to do with the establishment, it has to do with the patrons. Look dudes, if you want to do Jager bombs, go somewhere else please? If you are bringing your gal here, teach her how to drink beer. I don't want you tying up the bartender so he can make your date a sex on the beach, go to campus for that crap. This place is about good beer, and it has that in spades. read more

Great bar located in downtown Champaign. It's a really classy and old fashioned style pub. The lighting is a little bit dark for my tastes -- but who cares as long as you're in good company and the tap is a-flowin'. My friends and I usually grab a booth and talk, seriously the place is super laid back and the music is at an appropriate level for a pretty chill place like this. Their beer selection is vast and the staff is super friendly. read more

I can't say I enjoyed this place. Of course I visited Tryptch Brewing in Savoy first, so maybe they set too high of standards. We visited on a warm evening. Doors were wide open. Only 2 people sitting at the bar and a couple people sitting outside. I thought the place felt muggy and smelled bad. It could have been the patrons? I hate to judge a place on the smell. We got our beers and sat outside which was very nice. Only had one drink and then left. Atmosphere was lacking aside from the outdoor seating. Bartender wasn't the nicest. Don't care to come back here again. read more

Like the concept a lot. They have a great beer selection. Comparable prices and knowledgeable staff. Everyone is talking it up but I'm not terribly impressed. Something about the customers that bothered me... Nothing that can be done about that, though. I was shocked to find out that it had been open only 9 years or so. Seems as if the filth has been building for 50. not my favorite, but a good bar read more

Awesome beer selection. Perfect atmosphere for conversation. Basically, this is a hophead's oasis, as you can't find some of the good stuff at other bars nearby. The wait for drinks at the bar is no more ridiculous than any other establishment, but it detracts from the classy atmosphere just a bit. It does get a little crowded at times, but I've also found this place nearly empty at other times, so you might as well try your luck. This place is geographically distant from campus, and it doesn't sport loud dance music and crappy cheap beers, so it is far enough removed from all the negative elements that plague so many other bars. I really loved Blind Pig, but unfortunately I didn't discover the place until I was a senior at U of I, so I didn't get to appreciate it for very long before I moved away. I still visit whenever I'm in town, though. The last time I was there, a group just set up near the piano and started playing some jazz music. I didn't see any fliers or indication that this was going to happen, and I don't think anybody else expected it; they just kind of showed up. This place is worth your time and your money. read more

I miss the Blind Pig. This is my favorite place to have a Brew in Champaign. It has been voted top 50 places to have a beer in the U.S by Beer Advocate. If you are a beer lover - this is the place for you. Blind Pig has great bartenders and an awesome selection of beers. It usually has 28 beers on tap and they are really good about rotating in new Beers. If they do not have it on tap, they most likely have in a bottle. The prices vary depending on what you want to sip on but pints are usually $4.00 - 6.00 bucks. I like the fact that when its not that busy the bartenders use appropriate glassware (Pint, tulip, chalice, snifter, handle glass stein). The tables are great if you get there early. After 10:00 pm the place usually gets really busy and its becomes a challenge to get a beer. All in all - this is probably the best thing Champaign County has to offer. read more

Visited after having dinner downtown. I didn't get dessert at dinner, but wanted something I could grab and eat a bit later. So we stopped by the bakery next door as you can bring food into The Blind Pig. We stopped at the bar to order. My brother got a beer and I ordered a mixed drink- Bahama Breeze, I believe. According to my bro, most people get beer and no one he has been with orders a mixed drink. I believe him; the bartender didn't know how to make the drink and had to look up the ingredients on the menu. Luckily, even though she must not be too experienced making it, the drink was pretty good. You can sit around the bar, in the next room, or outside. We opted for the next room at a booth. It was nice and warm, but also very dark. There are darts in this room if want extra entertainment. Bathrooms are right by the darts. read more

Mellow place with friendly staff. Came here on an early Saturday afternoon place was not very busy which was nice because we could converse with the bartender and determine what we wanted to drink with no hustle and bustle. No tv's which I don't mind just causes you to actually talk to the people you are with which is nice for a change. In addition there are no food options here but numerous food options in the immediate area. read more

I absolutely adore the Blind Pig. I love the old English pub vibe that it has and the beers that they brew. I always get awesome service and the half price happy hour literally cannot be beat, at least in Champaign. Some people seem to be confused about the fact that you have to go to the bar for a drink as there is no table service so know that going in. Otherwise, it's an awesome "hole in the wall" type of bar that is the perfect place to get a beer and chill. read more

In town for a film festival and heard about this place when John Malkovich mentioned being accosted by a drunk girl who had come from here. Sounded like our kind of place. Loved the atmosphere and music. The place has a sort of rustic feel. Lots of wood and dark wood colors. Nice and quiet on a Saturday afternoon. I swear they were playing Tom Waits when we got there, a big plus in my opinion. Cigar friendly, also a plus. Just a very comfortable and casual sort of place. Service was good. My friends wanted shots. Despite being a beer oriented bar, the bar tender was very friendly and able to cook something up for us. Beer selection was excellent, about 15 taps and 60-70 bottles, all of it well chosen. It was a pleasure to try a Great Lakes Blackout Stout on tap. Then a nice Goose Island 1800 Demolition Ale, served with proper glassware. We actually enjoyed it so much, we went back the next day. If we come back for the same festival next year, this will definitely be on the list of places to hit while in town. read more

They have craft cider on tap! Along with many other unique and hard to find beers.

Friendliest bartender ever (Ashley)! Served the best Scotch I've tried! (Laphroiag Triple Wood - not for the feint of heart). And I've been traveling to Scotland since the 1980's. Other patrons praised the beer, also. read more